Should there be a difference between a mission and a service?

Churches can do a lot of activities.

Some cater to those outside of the church.

Some cater for those already within the church community.

Healthy churches need both.

In some - even most - cases, ministry activities will combine meeting the needs of those outside and inside the church’s walls.

But, should a church ever just do an act of service?

Should the church ever just do an activity as a gift to the community around them.

No agendas.

No evangelism.

Just an act of service.

Sure, it can be argued that this “only an act of service” is near impossible.

Every interaction between people is a ministry. Conversations will be had. Actions will be seen. Motivations will be weighed.

But… can a church advertise an activity as only an action of service.

They only feed the homeless.

They only support kids who need help with homework.

They only provide a space for a group in need.

Nothing else.

And this is unapologetically seen as such.

Would this be well received by those within the church?

Could this be justified by those who earn a wage from the congregation?

In short, can the church be comfortable - in a small niche - only providing a service?